TAIL INN LODGE,
Espiritu Santo Bay, MEXICO

Nestled in the remote lobster village of Punta Herrero on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tail Inn Lodge offers direct access to the pristine flats of Espíritu Santo Bay within the UNESCO-listed Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, south of heavily-fished Ascensión Bay.

This secluded location remains home to un-pressured populations of permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook and more, with only a handful of guided boats permitted each week.

Book Tail Inn Lodge through Isolation Outfitters for full English-speaking trip planning, trusted local partners, and seamless logistics from first enquiry, and throughout your trip.

GUIDED Saltwater Fly Fishing in Espíritu Santo Bay

To travel to Tail Inn Lodge, fly into Cancún (CUN), then enjoy a scenic private transfer (approx. 4–5 hours) or 45-minute charter flight and ground drive to Punta Herrero. Alternatively fly into the new Tulum International Airport (TQO) and the lodge staff will meet you at the airport for your short transfer (45 mins) to the picturesque Tail Inn Lodge at Punta Herrero.

Tell us your preferred dates and group size and we’ll advise on availability, manage logistics, check tides and moon phases, and handle every detail for you. Or join one of our hosted trips where we handle everything, plus provide premium tackle for you to try out during the week.

  • An aerial view of clear turquoise ocean waters with a small boat and two people on it, surrounded by visible coral reefs and shallow waters.

    ESPIRITU SANTO BAY

  • Beachfront hotel on a Mexican still night with strung lighting and sand in foreground

    TAIL INN BY NIGHT

  • Three people fishing from a small boat on a calm lake during daytime, with a backdrop of trees and a cloudy sky.

    A DAY ON THE WATER

  • Bonefish being released at Tail Inn Lodge

    BONEFISH

  • Tail Inn Lodge by Isolation Outfitters is beachfront

    BEACHFRONT LODGE

  • Tarpon held by angler close up at Tail Inn Lodge

    TARPON

  • Taco prepared with class at Tail Inn Lodge

    QUALITY DINING

  • Anglers enjoying themselves outside Tail Inn Lodge on a warm evening

    EVENING CHAT

  • Two double beds in each room for anglers at Tail Inn Lodge

    COMFORTABLE BEDROOMS

  • spectacular seafood offering from Tail Inn Lodge in Mexico by Isolation Outfitters

    FRESH SEAFOOD

FLY FISH From THE TAIL INN LODGE, Espiritu Santo Bay, MEXICO

ESPIRITU SANTO BAY: DESTINATION & LOCALITY

Tail Inn Lodge sits on the beachfront in the lobster village of Punta Herrero, offering unparalleled access to the unspoiled flats of Espíritu Santo Bay. This area, part of the protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, boasts some of the best permit fly fishing on the planet, alongside abundant bonefish, tarpon, snook, and other flats species.

Only a limited number of guided boats operate here each week, preserving the fishery’s pristine quality and ensuring an intimate, high-quality angling experience.

Tell us your preferred dates and group size, or join one of our hosted trips.

ACCOMMODATION AND DINING

Tail Inn features well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms with private baths and plush bedding, accommodating up to 10 anglers per week. The lodge offers a warm, authentic atmosphere that blends comfort with the spirit of the region.

Meals are a highlight, with a focus on fresh, sustainable local seafood and inventive Mexican dishes — think happy hour margaritas, fresh sushi, tacos, and specialty lobster inspired by Punta Herrero’s heritage.

FISHING PROGRAM

Fishing is conducted aboard custom 23-ft pangas with a 2:1 guide-to-angler ratio (or option for 1:1), providing dedicated expert attention. One angler per boat per day means plenty of time casting and sight fishing.

Species include:

  • Permit: Floaters, tailing singles and doubles — Tail Inn is widely regarded as the global capital for permit fly fishing.

  • Bonefish: Large schools roam the pristine sand flats.

  • Tarpon & Snook: Juveniles present year-round; trophy tarpon migrate through April to June.

  • Extras: Snook, jacks, barracuda, triggerfish add variety and action.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 7 nights accommodation at Tail Inn Lodge (shared – single room upgrade available)

  • All meals and beverages (local craft beers, wines, cocktails included)

  • Expert local guides with 2:1 angler-to-guide ratio

  • Fishing licenses, park fees, and equipment use (excluding personal tackle)

  • Ground transfers from Cancún or Tulum airports

NOT INCLUDED

  • International airfare to/from Mexico

  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff

  • Optional charter flights between Cancún and Punta Herrero (extra cost)

  • Personal fishing tackle and gear

  • Travel insurance

TRIP DETAILS AT A GLANCE

Destination: Punta Herrero, Espíritu Santo Bay, Mexico
Best Times: March - June, but generally all year around
Target Species: Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook
Difficulty: 6/10
Group Size: 6-8 anglers max (single bookings welcome)
Rate: US$5,980 per angler - shared accommodation (2026 pricing)

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

  • Travel Day (Friday): Arrive into Cancún (CUN) or Tulum (TQO), followed by a private road transfer, or you may choose a charter flight, then boat transfer to Tail Inn Lodge at Espiritu Santo Bay (ESB).

  • Fishing Days (6 days): Guided fishing aboard custom 23-ft pangas, focusing on permit, bonefish, tarpon, and snook. 2:1 angler-to-guide ratio ensures dedicated attention and maximizes your chances for success.

  • Evenings: Enjoy gourmet meals blending fresh local seafood, inventive Mexican dishes, and regional specialties, complemented by handcrafted cocktails and margaritas. Evening recap and strategy sessions keep you informed and ready for the next day’s fishing.

  • Departure Day (Friday): After breakfast, transfers return you to Cancún or Tulum airports for your onward journey.

TRAVEL OPTIONS TO TAIL INN LODGE

Option 1: Fly Cancún (CUN)

  • Most international flights arrive into Cancún International Airport.

  • Choose a scenic private 4x4 transfer south along the Riviera Maya, approx. 4–5 hours, or a charter flight (approx. 45 minutes) or catch the new Maya Train south – followed by a short boat transfer to the lodge.

  • Ideal for multi-destination trips including Cancún, Cozumel, or Playa del Carmen.

Option 2: Fly Tulum International Airport (TQO)

  • New direct international airport with flights from major US hubs including Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and New York. (Less frequent flights/routes than Cancún but closer arrival to the lodge).

  • Lodge staff provide a 45-minute private transfer from airport to Tail Inn.

  • Shorter, hassle-free transfer with no Cancún traffic delays.

RATES

Our 2026 fare is US$5,980 per angler including seven nights of shared room accommodation in Lodge including all meals, shared guiding each day, and road transfers from Cancun or Tulum.

Note: Using Isolation Outfitters will never cost more than booking the lodge directly.

Single occupancy/Single guide/boat (2026): US$8,680 per angler.

BOOK YOUR OWN DATES OR COME ON OUR HOSTED TRIP

We offer both custom-date bookings and a limited number of hosted weeks for anglers who want a fully escorted experience. Contact us to discuss availability at Tail Inn Lodge at remote Punta Herrero.

Find out more about Grand Slam Mexico – our hosted week at the Tail Inn fly fishing lodge from June 5–12, 2026.

Using Isolation Outfitters will never cost more than booking the lodge directly and often saves time, stress, and costly mistakes.

TACKLE & GEAR FOR ESB

RECOMMENDED RODS

  • 9’ 8/9 wt single hand for permit and juvenile tarpon

  • 9’ 7/8 wt single hand for bonefish and snook

  • 8’6” or 9’ 10-12 weight for larger tarpon

LINES & LEADERS
Floating lines, plus optional intermediate or sink-tip lines for deeper channels, 9-12ft leaders with 12/16/20/25 tippet

FLIES
Permit crab patterns, bonefish shrimp, tarpon deceivers, baitfish imitations, and general flats flies

Detailed packing and gear lists are provided on booking confirmation

GENERAL INFORMATION

TRIP ENQUIRIES

Please contact us by sending us a message via our Contact Form, or calling us to discuss availability. A quick call or message is all it takes to confirm dates, pricing, and availability. Only a small number of boats operate here each week. Dates often sell out well in advance.

We will then share more trip information with you via email and phone to discuss this adventure, answer your questions and understand more about what you’re looking for from this trip.

SKILL LEVEL

You do NOT need to be an expert saltwater fly angler to enjoy this trip. We, together with your guide, will assist you every step of the way to improve your technique and help you connect with fish. However, you should be proficient at casting – able to confidently cast heavy flies in variable wind conditions using 7/8/9 weight rods for bonefish and permit, 9/10 weight rods for juvenile tarpon and 11-12 weight rods for migratory tarpon in season.

WEATHER

Mexico’s tropical Caribbean climate means it’s warm and humid year-round, with daytime temperatures typically around 80-85°F (27-29°C) in late May. Expect occasional afternoon rain showers or squalls, often brief but sometimes intense. Wind can pick up, especially on the flats or while boating, so pack a light rain jacket, and a warm hoody or vest for cooler early mornings and breezy boat rides.

Sun protection is essential: bring high-quality sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, a Buff® or similar neckwear, gloves, a wide-brimmed hat (plus a backup), and chapstick to protect your lips. We’ll supply plenty of water to keep you well hydrated throughout your daily fishing adventures.

CONNECTIVITY

The lodge has WiFi coverage for sharing photos and messages back home. We recommend getting a Mexican traveler SIM card (or an e-sim online) for your phone at Cancun or Tulum airport on arrival.

The guides have connectivity in the skiffs and in the event of a medical emergency, the lodge will have direct contact with Global Rescue (or whomever you are insured with) for urgent evacuation to the nearest medical centre.

FARE PAYMENT

The fare for this expedition is outlined on this page in US Dollars (USD$) and will not change after final confirmation of your booking (confirmed by receipt of your deposit payment to Isolation Outfitters), regardless of any fluctuations in international currency, fuel or travel costs. Individual anglers are invoiced separately or together as you wish.

Currency: Payment can be made in US Dollars (USD$) into our Montana USA deposit account or our New Zealand bank account as you choose. If you wish to pay in NZ Dollars (NZD$), we will agree a suitable foreign exchange rate into NZD$ from your preferred currency at the time of booking.

Credit Cards: Alternatively you may wish to pay by credit card. We accept most major international credit cards and we provide a secure link for online card payments.

Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the fare is payable to confirm your booking. Payment of deposit is deemed acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.

Remaining Fare: We require settlement of your full account 90 days before the trip proceeds. All anglers will need to show proof of comprehensive travel insurance and any required medical insurance at this time.

Additional Travel or Tackle: We can arrange additional road transfers if you need to fly in earlier or later, or air transfers into Punta Herrero if preferable, and we can also ship in fishing gear for you to retain after the trip is completed. Any costs for these will be invoiced directly to you and are payable before the trip commences. Any additional trip preferences, changes to the expedition travel, or specialist gear obtained on your behalf at your request will be payable on invoice.

SINGLE ANGLER EXPEDITIONS

Tail Inn Lodge is priced for two anglers sharing a room (double occupancy). If you are a single angler, we can provide single rooms on request at the quoted rate for single occupany, or we will need to accommodate you another willing single angler. Please contact us to discuss any aspect of the expedition.

Using Isolation Outfitters will never cost more than booking the lodge directly and often saves time, stress, and costly mistakes.

If Tail Inn Lodge is on your shortlist, your next step is simple. Contact Isolation Outfitters to confirm dates, pricing, and logistics in one conversation or email.